To dip or not to dip - I have a few questions

[Luvlegs]

This weekend, I got the box off. I need to get the panels cleaned up - inside and out. I also have a few spots that will require some small patches. My father-in-law had some old antique metal patio furniture dipped (very rusty) and then dipped again instead of paint. Looks awesome! The guy told him he could do my body panels if I wanted them done. Not the paint part, just the intial "de-rusting". Anyone familiar with this process? Leaves a black surface.

If I have the panels dipped, can I weld on them still and not worry about having to redip? Wrong process perhaps? Without using a sandblaster on the panels (which has been beaten around on here from both sides) how else would you get in between say the inside and outside of the bedsides? I added start and present pics for visual enjoyment if nothing else.

[70rs/ss]

Chemical dipping is a great process, but it can be left behind in some of those very tight spots you mention above. I imagine it is a high dollar process for a whole body (car) or cab and bed, but for some panels I'd look into the process he uses and the chemicals then do some web searches. In this day and age a lot of info can be had, on here you will get info, but usually from someone's point of view, so I'dd find out as much as you can from the dipper and then fact find on the web!! You may also call a few of the higher dollars restorers (antique cars and trucks) and ask their educated opinion.

Good Luck!!

[67Fleet]

I've asked this question to numerous paint/body shops and the general consensus is that acid dipping is good for smaller parts/panels, but if you're going to restore an entire truck it is much better to have it media blasted.

[special-K]

Soda Blast!!